What Motorcyclists Should Do After an Accident
Every so often we hear a story that reminds us that motorcyclists are some of the most at-risk individuals on the road. Local 10 News recently reported that a 60-year-old motorcyclist died in a Daytona Beach Bike Week accident. He was the unfortunate latest fatality in a string of motorcycle accidents in the area during that time frame. The motorcyclist reportedly failed to brake as his motorcycle approached a vehicle, at which point he dropped the bike and separated from it.
How Dangerous Can Riding a Motorcycle Be?
The statistics concerning these arguments are more intimidating than anyone who regularly rides a motorcycle would likely want to contemplate. Sadly, well over 5,000 motorcyclists perished in motorcycle crashes in 2017. The overwhelming majority of these fatalities were people riding a motorcycle as opposed to their passengers.
What Should You Do if You Experience a Car Accident as a Motorcyclist?
- Call 9-1-1 and do not admit fault. It is hard to think straight at the scene of the accident between adrenaline and stress. Therefore, you probably won’t be thinking clearly and it can be easy to mix up facts and implicate yourself in something you didn’t actually do so it is best to avoid statements of guilt or fault altogether, which includes apologies.
- Record the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. It can also be hard to differentiate between people in your memories later on so you should also write yourself a small note with details such as what the person is wearing and what he or she witnessed to help you jog your memory later on.
- Take pictures of the accident and the surrounding area. Following an accident, you should use your smartphone to take pictures of the scene of the accident including impacted guard rails, tread marks, and any places where you see paint from the vehicles or parts that fell off.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. While you can pursue a claim on your own, you should understand the chances of obtaining the compensation that you deserve are always better when you have an experienced legal team on your side.
Don’t Undertake This Journey Alone
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred because of the negligence or reckless behavior of someone else, you may be entitled to collect compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, disability, and other losses related to your injuries. Initially, it is imperative that you obtain the medical help you need. Afterward, you should reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you advocate for your legal rights. As the Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we know that the risks of the road can result in serious consequences for motorcyclists and we do everything in our power to help them reach justice after being injured. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Fort Myers and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-ne-motorcyclist-dies-volusia-bike-week-20200313-dpj4amoajnakbfiaidctbffyiy-story.html
